2023 Kia Sorento Hybrid problems, complaints & recalls

Updated Oct 10, 2026 from NHTSA data · How we count

Owners have filed 31 complaints with NHTSA about the 2023 Kia Sorento Hybrid, most often about engine. There are 2 recalls for this model year.

Complaints: 31
Recalls: 2
Crashes: 1
Fires: 0
Injuries: 4
Median mileage: 12,350 mi

Safety warning: at least one recall for this vehicle tells owners to park outside until it is repaired. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Key facts

Engine is the most-reported problem area, named in 13 of 31 complaints (42%).
Fuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion (10) and electrical system (7) follow.
Half of the complaints that list mileage happened before 12,350 mi.
Owners reported 1 crash, 0 fires and 4 injuries.
The 2023 Kia Sorento Hybrid has 2 recalls on file.
It has the most serious complaint record of all 6 Kia Sorento Hybrid model years we track.
That is 158% more complaints than the 2022 model year (12).

A complaint can mention more than one problem area, so categories add up to more than the total.

Most-reported components

Component (as filed with NHTSA)	Complaints
Engine	13
Fuel/propulsion system	10
Electrical system	7
Power train	5
Structure:body	3
Unknown or other	2
Service brakes	2
Visibility:windshield	2

When problems happen (mileage)

Mileage at the time of the problem, for 2023 Kia Sorento Hybrid complaints that list mileage.

2023 Kia Sorento Hybrid recalls (2)

Recall 23V610000Aug 31, 2023144,979 vehicles
BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA
Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2022-2023 Sorento, Sorento Hybrid, and Sorento Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV) vehicles. The mounting clips for the rearview camera may break, which can cause the rearview camera image not to appear properly on the display. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
Risk: A rearview camera that does not properly display an image can reduce the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the rearview camera housing, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 27, 2023. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC280.
Recall 22V703000Sep 19, 202270,887 vehiclesPark outside
TRAILER HITCHES
Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2016-2022 Sorento, 2021-2022 Sorento Hybrid (HEV), 2022-2023 Sorento Plug-In Hybrid (PHEV), and 2017-2022 Sportage vehicles equipped with a tow hitch harness installed as original equipment, or purchased as an accessory through a Kia dealership. Debris and moisture accumulation on the tow hitch harness module printed circuit board (PCB) may cause an electrical short, which can result in a fire.
Risk: A fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
Remedy: Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will inspect the vehicle, and, as necessary, replace the fuse and/or tow hitch harness module, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 11, 2023. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC249.

Recent 2023 Kia Sorento Hybrid complaints

Excerpts of the newest owner complaints, lightly cleaned of personal details. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

Filed Oct 5, 2026MDEngine
On [XXX] at [XXX], while driving northbound on [XXX] in Montgomery County, MD, just before Exit [XXX] (about 10-15 minutes after leaving home), the engine overheat warning came on. My child was in the vehicle with me. I pulled over to the shoulder briefly. Thinking it might be a temporary error, I resumed driving, but the same overheat warning came back almost immediately, so I pulled into a nearby restaurant parking lot and stopped the vehicle. I checked under the hood and…
NHTSA complaint #11769133 · source
Filed Jul 6, 2026ORBody & Structure
The sub roof exploded while on the freeway and all the glass shattered like rain onto the fabric underneath. We pulled over on the side of the freeway and are waiting for a tow. We didn't see any large objects fall or fly towards the car. It sounded like a huge explosion then left a big whole.
NHTSA complaint #11748566 · source
Filed Feb 17, 202625,000 miPATowedElectrical System
The contact owns a 2023 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while driving approximately 40 MPH on several occasions, the vehicle stalled after the battery became drained. The vehicle was able to restart each time after waiting for the battery to recharge. The vehicle was taken to two different dealers on three occasions. During the first two visits, the dealer was unable to duplicate the failure. On the third visit, the failure was duplicated, but the dealer was unable to…
NHTSA complaint #11718445 · source
Filed Feb 9, 2026PAEngineAcceleration & Cruise ControlTransmission & Drivetrain
While driving hybrid battery depletes and car stops accelerating. With pedal to the floor, it may get to 60 MPH, other times 15 MPH. Car doesn't sound great while this is happening. 3/4 times an error showed up stating "Check Hybrid System-Stop Safely". The 4th time the error didn't appear , but was driving on hilly road where battery charged when it was going down a hill. The problem occurred on back roads and Highways. It is VERY unsafe when you suddenly can't accelerate.…
NHTSA complaint #11716868 · source
Filed Sep 26, 2025NYElectrical SystemFuel, Hybrid & EV PropulsionTransmission & Drivetrain
While driving on September 15, 2025, the vehicle displayed a loud beeping and the warning message “Check Hybrid System. Stop Safely.” The vehicle restarted about an hour later, but the combustion engine ran very rough. The Kia dealer inspected it but reported no stored error codes. On September 23, 2025, the vehicle suddenly lost power while driving. It appeared to operate only on electric at low speed, then died completely in the roadway. The vehicle would not power down…
NHTSA complaint #11689872 · source
Filed Sep 18, 2025MOVisibility & Wipers
On passenger side interior between glove box and dashboard, there is a textured, metallic trim plate that during a sunny mid day, casts a reflection on the passenger side window over the top of the where the passenger side rear view mirror is.
NHTSA complaint #11688202 · source
Filed May 14, 2025CTEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV PropulsionTransmission & Drivetrain
Vehicle suddenly loses power while driving. Engine does not turn on, vehicle will run on battery until battery is dead, then putting the vehicle in park once stopped. Vehicle will not accelerate normally since the engine does not turn on. Only goes 10-20 mph. Lights on the dash come on, prompting to keep car on to charge the battery. No code is found when the vehicle is scanned. Dealerships can't seem to diagnose the issue. This is a safety concern when driving on busy roads…
NHTSA complaint #11661044 · source
Filed May 2, 2025CAEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV PropulsionTransmission & Drivetrain
Critical Issue: Gasoline leaks into engine. That causes increasing engine oil level significantly and mixed with engine oil. I dropped off me car (mileage: 11731) at Kia Pro in Glendale, CA on 5/1/2025 as soon as I confirmed that engine oil level exceeds the maximum (twice of max) and smelled Gasoline from the dipstick. The service advisor and a tech confirmed that the excessive engine oil level and gasoline smell. However, they refused to repair it under warranty because…
NHTSA complaint #11658457 · source

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Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data, as of Oct 10, 2026. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. View this vehicle on NHTSA.gov Methodology